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Faneromeni Church was built in 1872 on the site of an ancient Orthodox nunnery. It is the largest church within the old city walls in Lefkosia and is a blend of neoclassical, Byzantine and Latin styles.

It is dedicated to Panagia Faneromeni. According to legend, a miraculous icon revealed itself in the ruins of the church which was once destroyed by an earthquake.

The mausoleum found on the eastern side of the church was built in memory of the members of the clergy killed by the Ottomans in 1821.

Highlights:

• An impressive church, the largest one in Lefkosia’s old town

• It houses an icon that is considered to be miraculous

• A monument to honour Cyprus’s martyrs is located in its courtyard

Look Out For:

• As at most Greek Orthodox sites, visitors should dress appropriately (i.e. covered shoulders, no shorts or mini-skirts for the ladies)

The Omeriye Mosque is the only Gothic house of worship converted into a mosque in the non-occupied area of the Lefkosia, and a site to include in your tour when visiting the area within the walled city.

It was originally the church of Saint Mary, part of a 14th century Augustinian monastery largely destroyed in 1570 A.D. by an Ottoman bombardment. It owes its name to Lala Mustafa Pasa, the Ottoman conqueror of Cyprus, who believed that the caliph Omar had rested here during the 17th century Arab raids on Cyprus.

Nowadays it serves the needs of the city's multi-ethnic Muslim population, being the only place in the city where the muezzin still calls the faithful to prayer five times a day.

There are two things you should experience at the Omeriye Mosque: climb the minaret to admire the views over the city, and to take off your shoes to visit the peaceful interior of the mosque.

Highlights:

• Omeriye Mosque is the only place in the non-occupied area of Lefkosia where the muezzin still calls for prayer

• It is one of the must-see-places of any visit within the walled city of Lefkosia

• Those who climb the minaret enjoy a great view over the city

Look Out For:

• No shoes allowed inside the mosque

• You will not be allowed to visit the interior during prayer times

The Famagusta Gate (Pyli Ammochostou), with its impressive wooden door and slanting façade, is the most important of the three gates of the Venetian walls in Nicosia.

Its name comes from the fact that the gate opened onto the road that took travellers to the most important harbour town of the island, Famagusta.

The Municipality of Nicosia won the “Europa Nostra Award” by the International Federation of Associations for the Protection of European Culture and Natural Heritage for the restoration work that took place at the Famagusta Gate in the early 1980s, when it was transformed into Nicosia’s Cultural Centre.

Concerts, exhibitions and other interesting cultural events are held at the Famagusta Gate mainly during the summer months. It is a worthwhile experience to visit the Famagusta Gate when one of these events is taking place.

Highlights:

• The most impressive of the three old Nicosia that are part of the Venetian walls surrounding old Lefkosia

• The Municipality of Nicosia won an award for the restoration work conducted at the Famagusta Gate

• It has been converted into Nicosia’s Cultural Centre

Look Out For:

• The Nicosia Cultural Centre remains closed on weekends